http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_14018550?source=most_viewed (http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_14018550?source=most_viewed)
Oakley teacher killed in street sweeper crash
By Rowena Coetsee, Robert Salonga and Jonathan Lockett
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 12/17/2009 11:35:24 AM PST
Updated: 12/17/2009 06:04:20 PM PST
OAKLEY -- A Freedom High School teacher was killed this morning when his motorcycle collided with a street sweeper that was making a U-turn, police said.
Charles Edgle Smith Jr., 56, of Antioch, was riding near Neroly Road and Frandoras Circle about 8 a.m. when the crash occurred. He was pronounced dead at the scene, said Chief Chris Thorsen.
The collision is under investigation. Thorsen said alcohol or drugs do not appear to have been a factor in the crash.
Smith, who went by "Ed," had been with Liberty Union High School District for two decades and had worked at Freedom High for at least 10 years, said Erik Faulkner, a former principal at the school.
Most recently, Smith taught a course on driver's education and decision-making, he said.
Smith was also a tireless supporter of school athletics, helping to keep score and start the races at track meets as well as attending nearly every one of the basketball and football teams' home games.
"He was the voice of Freedom," Faulkner said, referring to Smith's duties as the announcer for both boys and girls basketball games and, until several years ago, football games.
He also worked the public address system this football season for games at Liberty High School, where his son, Nate, is head football coach.
Smith also had two nephews who attended Freedom High.
Freedom Athletic Director Steve Amaro said Smith was "incredibly passionate" about the school and athletics, recalling a time when Smith celebrated after
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he'd won the Bell game against rival Liberty during his stint as freshman football coach.
At the beginning of three boys basketball games Friday, a moment of silence will be held for Smith, and team members will wear accessories in his honor.
Students weren't told about Smith's death early today because school officials didn't want the news to distract students from finals, but they were told at the end of the day.
Nicholas Blount and Maurice Kimball, both senior basketball players, found out earlier.
"I was sad," Blount said. "He does a really good job at his announcing. Sounds really professional."
Kimball took a class from Smith last year.
"His style of teaching was fun," he said. "It wasn't boring to be in his classes."
Smith went out of his way to help young people, spending time with them on schoolwork outside class and offering an ear when they wanted to talk about personal problems, Faulkner said.
"He was the kind of guy who made a lot of connections with kids," he said, adding that Smith would give his students a second and third chance if they failed a test or turned in homework late.
He was also a motorcycle buff who loved to take his on long road trips up the coast, said Nate Smith.
An avid fisherman, Smith enjoyed trolling the Delta for striped bass and sturgeon, but his favorite getaway was Bridgeport near Mono Lake where he would cast for trout.
Faulkner said he will post details on the school's Web site about plans to remember Smith and help his family. For updates, go to www.libertyuhsd.k12.ca.us/freedom (//http://) (//http://)
Smith is survived by his three children and granddaughters: Trevor Smith and Skylar Smith of Brentwood; Colby Scott and Ainsley Scott of Brentwood; and Nate Smith and Reilly Smith of Antioch.
I hope he was someone no one here knew.
Something to be learned - My guess is the street sweeper hung one of those super-tight u-turns and the guy on the bike was passing him on the left.
Am I right? Or wrong? Doesn't matter. It's just one more thing we ride by everyday and take for granted. Assume nothing.
Everyone is trying to kill you. Ride that way.
Very sad, RIP Ed. :(
RIP.
:(
Street sweepers are loud,so assume they can't hear,and obviouslly they never see us moto riders any way.Tragic.RIP.
I checked out the satellite view of this intersection on Google--big, wide pair of streets with no obstructions that I could see. Really weird. Once in a while I get caught off guard in my neighborhood--a car will be double parked or something and I'm not prepared for it because I'm completely focused on finding the driveway... this is a good reminder to stay frosty. Condolences to rider's friends and family.
RIP.
:(
A drivers ed teacher?!
Zoinkies!!
RIP